Experimental and Numerical Analyses of the Lightweight Potential for Hybrid Thin-Walled Members

Abstract

Within this study, the lightweight potential of thin-walled closed hat members, partially supported by hollow cores, consisting of glass foam granulate and a two component epoxy resin, is investigated. Nonlinear finite element analyses are applied to simulate the behavior under quasi-static three-point bending and to find out the lightweight potential. The simulations are validated by experiments on thin-walled side members of the chassis of a recreational vehicle with and without supporting cores. The results show a significant potential for weight reduction by using supporting cores. Related to the weight (Fmax/Fg), experiments have shown that the collapse load is 38 % larger in comparison to thin-walled members without supporting cores.